Hello?.. Is Anyone There?

Teenage prostitutes, during interviews in a San Francisco study, were asked: "Is there anything you needed most and couldn't get?" Their response, invariably preceded by sadness and tears, was unanimous: "What I needed most was someone to listen to me. Someone who cared enough to listen to me."   -Jim Reapsome, Homemade.

You've probably discovered that listening is not an easy thing to do. Now, I'm talking about really listening! As a matter of fact, for most of us speaking is generally easier to do. Did you know that listening is a skill to be developed much like writing, playing a sport, or drawing? Of course, there's some talent involved in those things, but barring any medical or physical ailments, most of us have the ability to listen.

Why is listening so difficult? Let's just say that there are many reasons for poor listening. However, for my money, I think the biggest cause of poor listening is the lack of attention. We simply don't pay enough attention to what's being said!

We simply assume that listening is an automatic process, don't we? And, the lack of attention is likely to be more obvious when we're not interested in the topic of discussion. No big surprise here! I mean, even when we're paying close attention we may be distracted by a phone call, the television, or something else going on around us.

What usually happens, if we feel that no one is listening to us? Frustration? Anger? Rejection? Take the apostle Paul, for example. Here was a man who could have assumed that God doesn't listen to us. After all, he insistently pleaded with God to intervene for him in a chronic ordeal (2 Corinthians 12:7-8).

Paul could have shrugged his shoulders and walked off thinking that God wasn't interested. But, this was not the case. As it happens, God did answer him; maybe not in the way Paul was expecting, but He did respond with: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians:12:9).

We have to believe that God is and that He does listen to us. We must have faith in Him (Hebrews 11:1). He loves when we come to him and ask him to help us. He wants to give us what we need, not what we think we need. Yes, sometimes our answers aren't what we want, or expect. They may even take longer to get back to us than we like.

Rest assured that God hears your every prayer, or plea no matter if you speak it, sing it, or think it. It's not about how you communicate with Him, it's about having faith that He is always listening. Unlike most of us, God is an awesome listener. Even if you don't get an immediate response, He will get back to you. Be patient, and know that whatever, whenever, or however He answers, it will be His best, loving answer for you.

Scripture: 1 John 5:14,15; Hebrews 11:6; Isaiah 30:19; Psalm 86:7; Matthew 21:22

Prayer: Dear God, you are always available when I need a caring, sympathetic ear whether in time of difficulty, trouble, indecision, sickness, or loneliness. It gives me a great sense of security, and comfort to know that you stand ready at any hour to listen to me. And that you offer a carefully considered response that is always in my best interest. Amen

Have a blessed weekend!

Shelley